Author Topic: CTC Review: 2009 smart fortwo (Read 11671 times)

rrocket · « **Reply #120 on:** November 17, 2009, 06:13:09 pm »

Quote from: PJungnitsch on November 17, 2009, 05:42:42 pm

I'm thinking where those little kei truck come in is an alternative to a Gator or Rhino for hunting, farm work, etc. Those cost upwards of 15 grand, so a road legal machine for 5 seems like a pretty good deal.

Yea, you can get Kei cars here. They have to be at least 15 years old. MY buddy has one. Uses it for bombing around town, picking up parts, etc He has one of those small trucks...Suzuki Carry I think it's called.

http://www.kei-cars.com/

Rupert · « **Reply #121 on:** November 18, 2009, 09:36:33 am »

OK I suppose our safety regs bar these from coming here new but since Smart have a foot in the door then why not develop something along these lines...a little wider track so that softer suspension can be used with more wheel travel...two seats and a carrying deck that could have a nice tarp cover...just for local use. Cut some of the comfort for utility. Maybe a little Kei Camino type. Perhaps full size highway vehicle regs. do not apply here. You do not have airbags and crush zones on motorbikes do you...Just supply a couple of crash hats...er. maybe styrofoam padding for knees under the dash. It would be infinitely better than a leather jacket and a crash helmet and two wheels. Would something like that be too smart.

blur911 · « **Reply #122 on:** November 18, 2009, 12:08:58 pm »

Quote from: Rupert on November 18, 2009, 09:36:33 am

OK I suppose our safety regs bar these from coming here new but since Smart have a foot in the door then why not develop something along these lines...a little wider track so that softer suspension can be used with more wheel travel...two seats and a carrying deck that could have a nice tarp cover...just for local use. Cut some of the comfort for utility. Maybe a little Kei Camino type. Perhaps full size highway vehicle regs. do not apply here. You do not have airbags and crush zones on motorbikes do you...Just supply a couple of crash hats...er. maybe styrofoam padding for knees under the dash. It would be infinitely better than a leather jacket and a crash helmet and two wheels. Would something like that be too smart.

toolatecrew · « **Reply #123 on:** November 18, 2009, 12:37:05 pm »

Quote from: Rupert link=topic=64232.msg 612820#msg612820 date=1258554993

OK I suppose our safety regs bar these from coming here new but since Smart have a foot in the door then why not develop something along these lines...a little wider track so that softer suspension can be used with more wheel travel...two seats and a carrying deck that could have a nice tarp cover...just for local use. Cut some of the comfort for utility. Maybe a little Kei Camino type. Perhaps full size highway vehicle regs. do not apply here. You do not have airbags and crush zones on motorbikes do you...Just supply a couple of crash hats...er. maybe styrofoam padding for knees under the dash. It would be infinitely better than a leather jacket and a crash helmet and two wheels. Would something like that be too smart.

Car based "pickups" have been tried before and been dismal failures. Brat,VW Rabbit Pickup Subaru Baja.

Rupert · « **Reply #124 on:** November 18, 2009, 12:40:18 pm »

Yes, something like that except the Kei cars are much smaller...not much bigger than a Smart in fact. A bit wider track and lightly built. When I first saw the little truck I could not believe what I was looking at...and yet they have been around for 15 years. Too bad they drive on the left hand side of the road in Japan.
It's a different world now Toolate and none of what you mentioned is in this small van/truck/Smart class.

ovr50 · « **Reply #125 on:** November 18, 2009, 06:02:09 pm »

http://www.autoextremist.com/

This week's Autoextremist is on why Smart is failing in the US. Right on the money, imo.

1TSX · « **Reply #126 on:** November 18, 2009, 06:32:47 pm »

Within the past year, the local mall replaced their Chevy Silverado security vehicles with Smarts.

safristi · « **Reply #127 on:** November 19, 2009, 07:49:13 am »

...s"MALL COPS"....

....

PJungnitsch · « **Reply #128 on:** November 20, 2009, 12:31:07 am »

Smart vs Honda Fit, a reviewer who gets it:

http://magazine.windingroad.com/issue/52/

toolatecrew · « **Reply #129 on:** November 20, 2009, 07:35:01 am »

Quote from: PJungnitsch on November 20, 2009, 12:31:07 am

Smart vs Honda Fit, a reviewer who gets it:

http://magazine.windingroad.com/issue/52/

Yeah there are some people like this guy who get it. Its just that there are so few that do have or ever will have that perspective in NA that its beassically irelevant.

Its like saying "That picture looks crooked" You say well if you sit in the thrird row 5th chair over and tilt your head at 18 degrees and squint...well it looks straight".

It takes a pretty warped perspective to change a clunky tranny into a "sports car like involving challange"

If you think about it the comparison is kinda silly. He says -as a fuel efficient urban car for only one or two people where a challanging involving drive tops the list...

1.How big is that market? Tiny
2.For the 17 K that Smart Cabriloet costs you could buy a very nice used Miata that is decently fuel efficient, holds only one or two people and is probably more involving (since it has a great stick shift)

Want something crude, and involving? How about a 10 K Accent with 5 K of bolt on performance parts?

Rupert · « **Reply #130 on:** November 20, 2009, 08:47:04 am »

This kind of vehicle might well be relevant in any country...with a bit more MPG and carrying capacity, not neccessarily seats and a lower price point. Especially so if the price of gasolene skyrockets. Maybe it should not be considered as a front line vehicle but rather utility transportation for the likes of those who need larger vehicles on an occasional basis...for trailers or larger families. If a couple of kids are present a 'crude' Accent...as you put it, would more likely fill this bill. You don't need something that is souped to the eyebrows to go to the local mall.

Turbo Bob · « **Reply #131 on:** November 20, 2009, 08:55:16 am »

Quote from: toolatecrew on November 20, 2009, 07:35:01 am

Blah blah blah

Quote from: Jackie Stewart

I like it

I believe JS...

And out of the three of us, toolate is the only one who hasn't driven it.

toolatecrew · « **Reply #132 on:** November 20, 2009, 09:29:41 am »

Quote from: Just Bob on November 20, 2009, 08:55:16 am

Quote from: toolatecrew on November 20, 2009, 07:35:01 am
Blah blah blah

Quote from: Jackie Stewart
I like it

I believe JS...

And out of the three of us, toolate is the only one who hasn't driven it.

WHat does it matter if I've driven it?

I assume you have no opinions on any products that you have not personally used?

Why would I drive one? I'd never buy one becauseI don't fit into the teeny tiny market demographic that would actually buy one in North America (which apparently doesn't include you either).

Turbo Bob · « **Reply #133 on:** January 31, 2010, 09:52:15 pm »

What about the Smart Eleanor?

dr_spock · « **Reply #134 on:** January 31, 2010, 09:54:39 pm »

Why Bob? Why?

toolatecrew · « **Reply #135 on:** February 01, 2010, 07:58:14 am »

Is that a smart? I thought maybe it was an Acura version of the Fit?

Cory X · « **Reply #136 on:** February 05, 2010, 01:45:34 pm »

I would be scared in that little golf cart !!!

Have a Dodge Ram 3500 t-bone you at a light..good bye..

I could see if these cars were under $4,000 new !! Even so you could find safer more functional cars,especially at the price they want for them !!! Yikes !!

johngenx · « **Reply #137 on:** February 05, 2010, 04:56:52 pm »

Quote from: Cory X on February 05, 2010, 01:45:34 pm

I would be scared in that little golf cart !!!

Have a Dodge Ram 3500 t-bone you at a light..good bye..

The same is true for motorcycles, great roadsters like the Miata, and many other fun things. You should lock yourself in your basement where it's safe.

safristi · « **Reply #138 on:** February 06, 2010, 08:33:59 pm »

....boogaah Boogaaahhh...........

Cory X · « **Reply #139 on:** February 07, 2010, 04:50:31 am »

jongenx,

Wow..I drive alot,double or more than the average..I would never own a small car like that,plus they are not usefull at all,same goes for bikes..Obviously Smart cars are for bad drivers and people afraid to drive or dont enjoy driving..I love the power,comfort,safety of my Hemi 300..